Judge Ian EnglishLucas County Common Pleas Court
4th Floor – Courtroom #6 
700 Adams St., Toledo, OH 43604-5678

Criminal Bailiff, Willie Ann Ware – (419) 213-4561
Civil Bailiff, Shawna Craft – (419) 213-4560
Treatment Court Coordinator, Nikki Kolasinski – (419) 213-4540

Tenure = 2015-Present
Term ends = 2027

The Honorable Ian B. English has served with distinction as a Judge of the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas since his appointment in February 2015. In this role, Judge English is responsible for overseeing a broad spectrum of cases, including high-stakes felony criminal matters and intricate civil disputes. His responsibilities encompass presiding over jury trials, bench trials, pre-trial hearings, and resolving complex legal issues that impact both the legal system and the local community. Notably, Judge English was appointed by his fellow judges in April 2016 to oversee the Lucas County Drug Court program, a testament to his dedication to restorative justice and effective rehabilitation for individuals in the criminal justice system.

Additionally, Judge English demonstrated exemplary leadership within the judicial community when he was elected as the Administrative Judge of the General Division for a two-year term from January 2021 to January 2023, where he was entrusted with the management and operational oversight of the court’s daily functions.

Educational Background and Early Legal Career

Judge English’s academic journey reflects a strong foundation in both legal theory and practical application. He earned an Associate’s Degree with honors from the University of Toledo, followed by an Honors Bachelor of Arts degree. Continuing his education at the University of Toledo College of Law, Judge English graduated in 2000 with a Doctor of Jurisprudence, where he was rigorously trained in legal principles and ethical practice.

Before his judicial election, Judge English practiced law in private practice, where he honed his legal skills in various areas of law. He then transitioned to the Lucas County Prosecutor’s Office as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, where he gained invaluable experience prosecuting a wide array of serious felony cases. These cases included capital murder, aggravated murder, rape, aggravated burglary, felonious assault, and complex drug trafficking operations. His tenure as a prosecutor, marked by the pursuit of justice for victims of violent crime, laid the groundwork for his later judicial philosophy focused on fairness, due process, and the rule of law.

Commitment to Legal Education and Mentorship

Judge English is also deeply invested in the next generation of legal professionals. He served as an Adjunct Professor in the Undergraduate Legal Studies Department at the University of Toledo, sharing his expertise in criminal law and legal principles with aspiring law students. Furthermore, Judge English demonstrated his leadership and mentorship abilities as the Head Coach of the University of Toledo’s nationally recognized Mock Trial Team, where he helped cultivate the next generation of advocates, teaching them not only legal skills but also the values of integrity and perseverance.

Personal Life and Community Involvement

Outside of his professional achievements, Judge English remains grounded in his local community. He resides in Toledo with his wife, Vallie, and their son, where they are active participants in local initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of their community. Judge English is a strong proponent of maintaining close ties with the community he serves, recognizing the importance of the judiciary in fostering trust and ensuring equal access to justice.

Leadership in the Legal Community

Judge English is a recognized leader in both the state and national legal communities. He has contributed to numerous judicial and legal organizations, offering his expertise and leadership to advance the profession. His leadership roles include:

  • Ohio Common Pleas Judges Association – 2nd Vice President, Board of Trustees, where he helps shape policies affecting the administration of justice across the state.
  • The Toledo Bar Foundation – Trustee, where he works to enhance legal access and education for underserved populations.
  • The Ohio Black Judges Association – Founding Member, dedicated to advancing the representation of Black judges and addressing issues of racial equity in the justice system.
  • The Supreme Court of Ohio – Chair, Commission on Specialized Dockets, where he has provided insight into the development and oversight of courts that specialize in issues like drug addiction and mental health.
  • Task Force on Improving Court Operations Using Remote Technology (2020) – Chair of the Civil and Domestic Relations Sub-Committees, guiding the implementation of remote technology to ensure continued access to justice during the pandemic and beyond.
  • Civil Justice Program Review Committee (2018) – Member, evaluating and improving Ohio’s civil justice system to ensure efficiency and fairness.

Professional Affiliations

Judge English is committed to professional growth and advocacy, maintaining memberships in several prestigious legal organizations, including:

  • The Thurgood Marshall Law Association, dedicated to promoting legal excellence among minority lawyers.
  • The Ohio State Bar Association, representing legal professionals across Ohio.
  • The Toledo Bar Association, where he actively participates in legal networking and community outreach programs.
  • The Ohio Common Pleas Court Judges Association, contributing to the statewide dialogue on judicial issues and reforms.
  • The Ohio Black Judges Association, supporting diversity and inclusion within the judiciary.
  • The National Bar Association, committed to improving legal access and representing the interests of minority lawyers on a national level.

Conclusion

Judge Ian B. English’s career is a testament to his unwavering commitment to justice, legal excellence, and community service. His extensive experience as a prosecutor, educator, and judge, combined with his leadership roles in the legal community, has established him as a respected and dedicated figure in the Ohio legal landscape. Through his work on the bench and his involvement in various community organizations, Judge English continues to shape the future of both the judiciary and the community it serves.